SUMMARY: Use your digital camera's noise-reduction technology to clean up noisy night photographs.
When purchasing a digital camera that you plan on using for night photography, see if the camera comes built-in with a noise-reduction mode. This feature may help in taking RAW or JPG photos in the dark of night.
When you have to increase your ISO settings to compensate for long shutter speeds, noise will be introduced in the photo. Rather that trying to remove it with digital photo editing software, if your digital camera has a noise reduction feature, you can help eliminate this post-processing step.
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Thursday, October 4, 2007
A Full Moon may Enhance a Photo
SUMMARY: Try to add a full moon to your night photos for dramatic effect.
A full moon can be a welcome addition to any night photo, whether it is a picture of a beach, mountain range, or cityscape. It can add drama and suspense to a photograph. It can draw the viewer's eye to a particular area. And, it may make your night photo stand out from others.
To find out when a full moon is visible, you can check through almanacs, your television station's weather forecast, your local newspaper, or weather sites on the Internet such as:
The Weather Channel - http://www.weather.com/
Weather Underground - http://www.weatherunderground.com/
A full moon can be a welcome addition to any night photo, whether it is a picture of a beach, mountain range, or cityscape. It can add drama and suspense to a photograph. It can draw the viewer's eye to a particular area. And, it may make your night photo stand out from others.
To find out when a full moon is visible, you can check through almanacs, your television station's weather forecast, your local newspaper, or weather sites on the Internet such as:
The Weather Channel - http://www.weather.com/
Weather Underground - http://www.weatherunderground.com/
Use Night Program or Scene Mode
SUMMARY: Let your digital camera's presets help you take great night photos.
If you are just starting out taking photos at night, check to see if your digital camera has a special night program or scene mode - read your camera manual. This mode will adjust your camera settings, tuning it to low-light conditions and possibly allowing you to take better night photos than if you were fumbling through other options. If you're not sure about adjusting exposure times and have no idea what ISO means, a one-touch setting may be all you need.
If you are just starting out taking photos at night, check to see if your digital camera has a special night program or scene mode - read your camera manual. This mode will adjust your camera settings, tuning it to low-light conditions and possibly allowing you to take better night photos than if you were fumbling through other options. If you're not sure about adjusting exposure times and have no idea what ISO means, a one-touch setting may be all you need.
Monday, October 1, 2007
How Large a Memory Card Do You Need?
Several factors affect decisions about memory card capacity. First, of course, is how much shooting you do. If you don't take many pictures, then you don't need a high-capacity card.
There are other factors, though. One key consideration is your camera's resolution. The higher the resolution, the fewer the number of picture files that will fit on any given memory card. All other things being equal, an 8 MP camera will produce much larger files than a 5 MP camera.
For example, a 6 MP camera, with an average file size of 3.60 MB (JPEG Fine setting) can save about 140 images to a 512 MB CF card. A 4 MP model, using the same setting, and with an average file size of 2.44 MB, can write about 210 image files to the same capacity card.
Another factor is the file type you shoot and the degree of compression (JPEG only). If you shoot TIFF files, you'll need large capacity cards, because TIFF files are huge. On the other hand, if you shoot at your camera's minimum resolution and save the files as JPEG's with maximum compression, you'll be able to save huge numbers of files.
For example, shooting at VGA resolution (640 x 480) and using maximum JPEG compression, the 4 MP camera above can store over 3,000 image files on a 512 MB card.
Finally, under some circumstances, your ability to download files can affect your decision. For example, if you shoot a lot of pictures when you travel, and you travel a fair amount, larger capacity cards make sense.
There are other factors, though. One key consideration is your camera's resolution. The higher the resolution, the fewer the number of picture files that will fit on any given memory card. All other things being equal, an 8 MP camera will produce much larger files than a 5 MP camera.
For example, a 6 MP camera, with an average file size of 3.60 MB (JPEG Fine setting) can save about 140 images to a 512 MB CF card. A 4 MP model, using the same setting, and with an average file size of 2.44 MB, can write about 210 image files to the same capacity card.
Another factor is the file type you shoot and the degree of compression (JPEG only). If you shoot TIFF files, you'll need large capacity cards, because TIFF files are huge. On the other hand, if you shoot at your camera's minimum resolution and save the files as JPEG's with maximum compression, you'll be able to save huge numbers of files.
For example, shooting at VGA resolution (640 x 480) and using maximum JPEG compression, the 4 MP camera above can store over 3,000 image files on a 512 MB card.
Finally, under some circumstances, your ability to download files can affect your decision. For example, if you shoot a lot of pictures when you travel, and you travel a fair amount, larger capacity cards make sense.
Nikon Digital Cameras - Cool(pix) and Functional
Even though Nikon entered the camera world by 1948, today its digital cameras are well known everywhere. The company started small but always dreamed big. Here is a historical review of Nikon.
Nikon was one of the late starters in the camera world. It established itself after the end of the World War II with the launch of the Nikon I in the year 1948. It took Nikon three years to develop this camera. From its launch, the Nikon I had a lot of problems. This was rectified by the company and another model called the Nikon M was introduced in 1949 which was well accepted by the market.
During the 1950's, Leica (a German make) had the best 35 mm rangefinder cameras. Nikon wanted to surpass Leica, and its pursuit, it came up with the Nikon SP in 1957. This was considered to be one of the best Nikon cameras available at that time.
After this, Nikon continued to innovate and launched the Nikon F single lens reflex (SLR) camera in 1959. The Nikon F set the industry standard for SLR's and became the hot favorite of photo journalists and professional photographers at that time. With the Nikon F, Nikon managed to surpass Leica and became the market leader in this category.
Then, in the year 1980, Nikon hit another milestone. It designed the Nikon F3 which was to be used by NASA astronauts in outer space expeditions. This camera needed to be big enough so that astronauts wearing bulky gloves could easily handle it and at the same time it had to be strong enough to work perfectly in zero gravity situations and withstand the strong rays of the Sun. NASA was very happy with the job done by Nikon and it got more cameras designed for itself in the coming years from the company.
During the 1990s, Nikon continued to innovate by bringing out better and more advanced SLR cameras. It came up with the NIKONOS RS, the world's first underwater auto focus SLR camera in the year 1992. The company also joined hands with Fuji Films and introduced the E2/E2S digital still cameras in 1995. As far as digital cameras were concerned, Nikon entered the digital arena in the year 1997 with the launch of its first digital camera, the COOLPIX100.
Today, the company has expanded itself further, and even opened factories in distant lands such as Poland and the Netherlands. It has entered new areas such as binoculars and telescopes and eyewear. Nikon is also considered to be one of the good makes as far as digital cameras are concerned. Over its 50 year history, Nikon has done a fascinating task of constantly innovating itself and bringing about new technologies in the market. here are the latest cameras by Nikon:
Digital SLR Cameras (D-Series): For advanced, professional users.
Coolpix Cameras: Ranging from 3-5 mega pixels, these are great for everyday users.
Nikon was one of the late starters in the camera world. It established itself after the end of the World War II with the launch of the Nikon I in the year 1948. It took Nikon three years to develop this camera. From its launch, the Nikon I had a lot of problems. This was rectified by the company and another model called the Nikon M was introduced in 1949 which was well accepted by the market.
During the 1950's, Leica (a German make) had the best 35 mm rangefinder cameras. Nikon wanted to surpass Leica, and its pursuit, it came up with the Nikon SP in 1957. This was considered to be one of the best Nikon cameras available at that time.
After this, Nikon continued to innovate and launched the Nikon F single lens reflex (SLR) camera in 1959. The Nikon F set the industry standard for SLR's and became the hot favorite of photo journalists and professional photographers at that time. With the Nikon F, Nikon managed to surpass Leica and became the market leader in this category.
Then, in the year 1980, Nikon hit another milestone. It designed the Nikon F3 which was to be used by NASA astronauts in outer space expeditions. This camera needed to be big enough so that astronauts wearing bulky gloves could easily handle it and at the same time it had to be strong enough to work perfectly in zero gravity situations and withstand the strong rays of the Sun. NASA was very happy with the job done by Nikon and it got more cameras designed for itself in the coming years from the company.
During the 1990s, Nikon continued to innovate by bringing out better and more advanced SLR cameras. It came up with the NIKONOS RS, the world's first underwater auto focus SLR camera in the year 1992. The company also joined hands with Fuji Films and introduced the E2/E2S digital still cameras in 1995. As far as digital cameras were concerned, Nikon entered the digital arena in the year 1997 with the launch of its first digital camera, the COOLPIX100.
Today, the company has expanded itself further, and even opened factories in distant lands such as Poland and the Netherlands. It has entered new areas such as binoculars and telescopes and eyewear. Nikon is also considered to be one of the good makes as far as digital cameras are concerned. Over its 50 year history, Nikon has done a fascinating task of constantly innovating itself and bringing about new technologies in the market. here are the latest cameras by Nikon:
Digital SLR Cameras (D-Series): For advanced, professional users.
Coolpix Cameras: Ranging from 3-5 mega pixels, these are great for everyday users.
The Inkjet Debate: Pigment vs. Dye
Most people agree that an inkjet photo printer can produce excellent photo-quality prints. But there's been some controversy over the two types of ink used in these printers.
Inkjet inks come in two basic types: dye-based and pigment based. Pigment-based inks tend to last longer than dye-based (though dye-based inks have improved significantly in recent years). And pigment-based inks aren't affected as easily by humidity – a long-term consideration.
But dye-based inks produce a less grainy, smoother finish, which is definitely preferable to most photographers. For pure looks, pigment-based inks can't match them.
In the end, the decision is up to you. If longevity is paramount, you may want to select a printer that uses pigment-based inks. But if photo-realistic quality is your prime concern, a printer that uses dye-based inks may be more appropriate.
Inkjet inks come in two basic types: dye-based and pigment based. Pigment-based inks tend to last longer than dye-based (though dye-based inks have improved significantly in recent years). And pigment-based inks aren't affected as easily by humidity – a long-term consideration.
But dye-based inks produce a less grainy, smoother finish, which is definitely preferable to most photographers. For pure looks, pigment-based inks can't match them.
In the end, the decision is up to you. If longevity is paramount, you may want to select a printer that uses pigment-based inks. But if photo-realistic quality is your prime concern, a printer that uses dye-based inks may be more appropriate.
Epson Offers Feature-Packed Portable Printer
The PictureMate is Epson's latest entry in the portable photo printer market, and this little Epson photo printer has everything a portable needs – including a very convenient handle.
The PictureMate uses Epson's six-ink system, so it provides better color than most much bigger four-ink desktop models. And though it's not a speed-printing champ, the Deluxe model can turn out a 4” x 6” print in about 75 seconds.
Epson claims the highest resolution in its class – up to 5760 x 1440 dpi (dots per inch). And lab tests indicate the prints will resist fading up to 100 years when properly displayed behind lass – twice that in an album.
The PictureMate produces true 4” x 6” borderless prints – no perforated paper to mess with. And you can print directly from eight different types of memory card – including SmartMedia. Adapters are available for mini-SD cards and Sony's MemoryStick Pro and Pro Duo.
The PictureMate is PictBridge compatible, and even prints from Bluetooth-enabled devices. The Deluxe model comes with a 2.4” LCD viewer and a half-dozen other added features.
The PictureMate uses Epson's six-ink system, so it provides better color than most much bigger four-ink desktop models. And though it's not a speed-printing champ, the Deluxe model can turn out a 4” x 6” print in about 75 seconds.
Epson claims the highest resolution in its class – up to 5760 x 1440 dpi (dots per inch). And lab tests indicate the prints will resist fading up to 100 years when properly displayed behind lass – twice that in an album.
The PictureMate produces true 4” x 6” borderless prints – no perforated paper to mess with. And you can print directly from eight different types of memory card – including SmartMedia. Adapters are available for mini-SD cards and Sony's MemoryStick Pro and Pro Duo.
The PictureMate is PictBridge compatible, and even prints from Bluetooth-enabled devices. The Deluxe model comes with a 2.4” LCD viewer and a half-dozen other added features.
Is the Best Photo Printer for You Not a Printer?
When is a printer not a printer? When it's an all-in-one, or multifunction. The best photo printer for many people may just be one of these “Swiss Army Knives” of the digital world.
All-in-ones usually combine at least a printer, scanner and stand-alone copier. Many others add fax capability. If you have limited space - or want, but can't afford, three or four devices – consider an all-in-one with photo printing capability.
How's the quality? Remarkably good. Three typical models – the Canon Pixma MP500, the Epson Stylus Photo RX700 and the HP PhotoSmart 3310 – represent a range of prices and all scored very well in reviews. Two are photo-quality printers combined with scanners and copiers. The third – the HP model – also faxes.
Of course, there are many other models – and manufacturers - to choose from. If you're pinching pennies or short on space, one of these all-in-ones can give you good quality prints in a nice combo package.
All-in-ones usually combine at least a printer, scanner and stand-alone copier. Many others add fax capability. If you have limited space - or want, but can't afford, three or four devices – consider an all-in-one with photo printing capability.
How's the quality? Remarkably good. Three typical models – the Canon Pixma MP500, the Epson Stylus Photo RX700 and the HP PhotoSmart 3310 – represent a range of prices and all scored very well in reviews. Two are photo-quality printers combined with scanners and copiers. The third – the HP model – also faxes.
Of course, there are many other models – and manufacturers - to choose from. If you're pinching pennies or short on space, one of these all-in-ones can give you good quality prints in a nice combo package.
About Photo Printers
If you plan to print the pictures you shoot with your digital camera, it's worth the extra few dollars to buy a photo printer. Determining which printers you look at are photo printers is usually pretty easy: the manufacturers usually put the word “photo” in the product's name or description.
Most photo printers are of the inkjet variety – the predominant consumer printing technology. Photo printers often print with smaller “dots” – the droplets of ink that help give inkjet s their name – than plain text printers. And many come with more colors of ink. High-end inkjet photo printers from some manufacturers now come with eight or nine colors of ink.
Color laser printers are also available, though they're much more expensive than many inkjets. A third type of printer is the dye sublimation printer, which uses heat to transfer dyes directly onto the media (paper).
If you print mostly 4” x 6” prints and durability and color are very important to you, consider a dye sublimation printer. Dye sub photo printers use thermal transfer technology to produce prints with a range of colors that's impossible for inkjet printers to match. Three colors are transferred separately to the paper from a plastic film. Temperature variations are used to produce up to 256 shades of each color. Finally a protective laminate layer overlays the entire print.
Dye sublimation technology has two drawbacks, though. First, you can't reasonably use a dye sub photo printer for text, as you could an inkjet photo printer. And, second, the majority of available dye sub printers make prints no larger than 4” x 6”. A few also produce 6” x 8” prints.
Most photo printers are of the inkjet variety – the predominant consumer printing technology. Photo printers often print with smaller “dots” – the droplets of ink that help give inkjet s their name – than plain text printers. And many come with more colors of ink. High-end inkjet photo printers from some manufacturers now come with eight or nine colors of ink.
Color laser printers are also available, though they're much more expensive than many inkjets. A third type of printer is the dye sublimation printer, which uses heat to transfer dyes directly onto the media (paper).
If you print mostly 4” x 6” prints and durability and color are very important to you, consider a dye sublimation printer. Dye sub photo printers use thermal transfer technology to produce prints with a range of colors that's impossible for inkjet printers to match. Three colors are transferred separately to the paper from a plastic film. Temperature variations are used to produce up to 256 shades of each color. Finally a protective laminate layer overlays the entire print.
Dye sublimation technology has two drawbacks, though. First, you can't reasonably use a dye sub photo printer for text, as you could an inkjet photo printer. And, second, the majority of available dye sub printers make prints no larger than 4” x 6”. A few also produce 6” x 8” prints.
HP Conquers Inkjet B&W Issue
Until recently, black and white prints from inkjet printers were famously poor. Most consumer-level printers traditionally produced s B&W prints with definite color tinges. Inkjets could make a nice sepia-tone print, but B&W was a nightmare.
HP's now-discontinued PhotoSmart 7960 was something of a breakthrough photo printer. Unlike other high-end printers, the 7960's eight inks included shades of gray that made this the black and white champ of inkjet printers. Some reviewers raved that the 7960's B&W output rivaled the silver halide prints made with the traditional photographic process.
Now HP has gone the 7960 one better with the nine-ink PhotoSmart 8750 Professional. This HP photo printer isn't for everyone, though – the suggested price is $499.99.
But for those to whom B&W quality is important… who want the ability to print up to 13” x 19” without borders… or who want prints that last (rated for up to 200 years, when stored properly in an album), it's a good choice.
HP's now-discontinued PhotoSmart 7960 was something of a breakthrough photo printer. Unlike other high-end printers, the 7960's eight inks included shades of gray that made this the black and white champ of inkjet printers. Some reviewers raved that the 7960's B&W output rivaled the silver halide prints made with the traditional photographic process.
Now HP has gone the 7960 one better with the nine-ink PhotoSmart 8750 Professional. This HP photo printer isn't for everyone, though – the suggested price is $499.99.
But for those to whom B&W quality is important… who want the ability to print up to 13” x 19” without borders… or who want prints that last (rated for up to 200 years, when stored properly in an album), it's a good choice.
Should You Buy a Laser Photo Printer?
For many years, the common wisdom was that laser printers were cheaper than inkjets in the long run, because the price-per-page was lower. But that began back in the days of black and white printers. The question is now, “Are laser photo printers less expensive than inkjets?”
And the answer is, “Yes.” In fact, a relatively inexpensive laser photo printer can print a color page for about half the cost of an inkjet print. Part of the equation is that quality laser photo printers themselves have come down in price. A decent color laser printer can cost as little as $300 - $400.
A color laser printer requires four toner cartridges, and prices for these are usually $50 and above. But a toner cartridge lasts much longer than an ink cartridge for an inkjet printer.
Laser photo printers also beat inkjets in the speed department. A full-color letter-size page that might take an inkjet several minutes to produce will be done in mere seconds on a typical laser printer.
But there's one area in which laser photo printers can't compete with inkjets: print quality. A good inkjet will yield a better print than a laser photo printer every time. However, if decent quality is good enough, and cost and speed are important, you may want to consider a laser photo printer.
And the answer is, “Yes.” In fact, a relatively inexpensive laser photo printer can print a color page for about half the cost of an inkjet print. Part of the equation is that quality laser photo printers themselves have come down in price. A decent color laser printer can cost as little as $300 - $400.
A color laser printer requires four toner cartridges, and prices for these are usually $50 and above. But a toner cartridge lasts much longer than an ink cartridge for an inkjet printer.
Laser photo printers also beat inkjets in the speed department. A full-color letter-size page that might take an inkjet several minutes to produce will be done in mere seconds on a typical laser printer.
But there's one area in which laser photo printers can't compete with inkjets: print quality. A good inkjet will yield a better print than a laser photo printer every time. However, if decent quality is good enough, and cost and speed are important, you may want to consider a laser photo printer.
Transfer Files More Easily
Transferring files from your digital camera to your computer can be annoying. But there's a digital photo accessory that can make it a lot easier.
A memory card reader frees you from having to plug your digital camera into your computer to transfer pictures. There's no messing with cables, because you can leave the card reader plugged into a USB port full-time. Just pop in your memory card and download. There are even PCMCIA versions for laptop users.
Readers that accept multiple types of memory cards start at about $20.00.
A memory card reader frees you from having to plug your digital camera into your computer to transfer pictures. There's no messing with cables, because you can leave the card reader plugged into a USB port full-time. Just pop in your memory card and download. There are even PCMCIA versions for laptop users.
Readers that accept multiple types of memory cards start at about $20.00.
Selecting the Right Camera Case for You
For most people, finding the right camera case isn't a problem. There are many good options for compact digital cameras. But if you've just purchased a digital SLR, getting the right camera case is a tougher decision.
There are many styles of camera case to choose from. For example, there are fanny packs, messenger bags and backpacks – as well as traditional shoulder bags. Some manufacturers offer “modular” systems that allow you to customize your bag with pouches, dividers and other accessories. There are even holster-style bags that keep your d-SLR handy right on your hip.
When choosing a camera bag, first consider how you shoot. For example, if you plan to carry your camera and a few lenses when you're hiking, a backpack may be right for you. But you'll probably find a backpack is inconvenient if you do most of your shooting at family gatherings and trips to the amusement park.
The amount of equipment you plan to carry is also an important consideration. If you've just bought your first SLR, keep in mind that you're probably going to add a couple of lenses to your collection. Buying a new bag every time you buy a new lens can get expensive.
Comfort is important. Be sure any belts and straps are sufficiently padded. If it's an over-the-shoulder bag, you may want a little padding for your hip, too.
There are many styles of camera case to choose from. For example, there are fanny packs, messenger bags and backpacks – as well as traditional shoulder bags. Some manufacturers offer “modular” systems that allow you to customize your bag with pouches, dividers and other accessories. There are even holster-style bags that keep your d-SLR handy right on your hip.
When choosing a camera bag, first consider how you shoot. For example, if you plan to carry your camera and a few lenses when you're hiking, a backpack may be right for you. But you'll probably find a backpack is inconvenient if you do most of your shooting at family gatherings and trips to the amusement park.
The amount of equipment you plan to carry is also an important consideration. If you've just bought your first SLR, keep in mind that you're probably going to add a couple of lenses to your collection. Buying a new bag every time you buy a new lens can get expensive.
Comfort is important. Be sure any belts and straps are sufficiently padded. If it's an over-the-shoulder bag, you may want a little padding for your hip, too.
Spare Batteries Are an Inexpensive Insurance Policy
Imagine if your camera's battery failed just when your child walked up to receive their diploma… or at the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. If you do a lot of shooting – especially if you travel – one of the best investments you can make is a spare digital camera battery.
The lithium ion batteries used in many digital cameras typically cost $35.00 - $50.00. But if you're an avid photographer, that's a fairly small price to pay for an insurance policy.
For those who shoot with a camera that uses AA cells, consider a spare set of rechargable NiMH batteries. If you don't use your camera a lot, have a spare set of alkaline batteries handy for your camera case.
The lithium ion batteries used in many digital cameras typically cost $35.00 - $50.00. But if you're an avid photographer, that's a fairly small price to pay for an insurance policy.
For those who shoot with a camera that uses AA cells, consider a spare set of rechargable NiMH batteries. If you don't use your camera a lot, have a spare set of alkaline batteries handy for your camera case.
A Multimedia Digital Camera with Extras
The NV3 is a new Samsung digital camera that offers several intriguing multimedia – and other - features in a compact package. The NV3 offers movie mode in VGA resolution at 30 fps, MP3 download and playback capability, and – yes – stereo speakers.
The 7.1 MP NV3 has a 2.5” LCD monitor, an internal 3x optical zoom, 11 scene modes, an auto-macro feature for close-up photography and comes with Samsungs Advanced Shake Reduction technology.
Another nice feature is called “Wise Shot.” When you select Wise Shot, the camera takes the same scene once with the ASR on and flash off, and a second time with the ASR of and flash on. You can then select the photo which looks better to you.
The 7.1 MP NV3 has a 2.5” LCD monitor, an internal 3x optical zoom, 11 scene modes, an auto-macro feature for close-up photography and comes with Samsungs Advanced Shake Reduction technology.
Another nice feature is called “Wise Shot.” When you select Wise Shot, the camera takes the same scene once with the ASR on and flash off, and a second time with the ASR of and flash on. You can then select the photo which looks better to you.
Check the Reviews Before You Buy
When you're considering a new camera, it's a good idea to check out the opinions of the pros. A digital camera review can tell you a lot of details about the camera – such as if it lives up to the manufacturer's hype and how comfortable and easy it is to use.
You can find reviews online at camera magazines' websites – such as Shutterbug (www.shutterbug.com) and Popular Photography magazine (www.popphoto.com) or at review sites like Digital Photography Review (www.dpreview.com) and the Digital Camera Resource Page (www.dcresource.com).
It's always a good idea to check at least two reviews. One reviewer can miss something that another picks up – or a personal bias may color a reviewer's opinion.
You can find reviews online at camera magazines' websites – such as Shutterbug (www.shutterbug.com) and Popular Photography magazine (www.popphoto.com) or at review sites like Digital Photography Review (www.dpreview.com) and the Digital Camera Resource Page (www.dcresource.com).
It's always a good idea to check at least two reviews. One reviewer can miss something that another picks up – or a personal bias may color a reviewer's opinion.
Don't Forget the Extra Memory
One of the handiest accessories you can have is extra memory. A couple of extra memory cards can assure that you won't be stuck at a critical moment. Imagine needing - and not having - a spare memory card during your daughter's first dance recital, or at your sister's wedding.
Additional memory is affordable and necessary, and if you shoot a lot pictures, don't bother with anything less than 256 MB. Smaller cards will feel like 12-exposure rolls of film: used up before you barely get started.
And don't forget to take your camera's resolution into consideration. An 8 MP camera will chew through memory fast.
Additional memory is affordable and necessary, and if you shoot a lot pictures, don't bother with anything less than 256 MB. Smaller cards will feel like 12-exposure rolls of film: used up before you barely get started.
And don't forget to take your camera's resolution into consideration. An 8 MP camera will chew through memory fast.
5 Megapixels – a Multitude of Options
Prices for fixed focal length 5 MP cameras start at around $100 – and about $25 more will get you a 3x optical zoom. Some of these cameras are feature-rich, and the number of models to chose from borders on amazing. Below are examples of the wide range of features available in this category.
Point-and-Shoot: Kodak EasyShare C533 – This inexpensive point-and-shoot offers a 3x optical zoom lens (37mm - 111mm in 35mm terms), 13 scene modes, selectable ISO and two auto focus options. The C533 has a movie mode with sound. As with most basic digital cameras, exposure is fully automatic.
Advanced: Fujifilm FinePix S5200 – Super-zooms aren't found just in the 7 and 8 MP realm. The FinePix S5200 packs a 10x optical zoom (38mm - 380mm in 35mm terms) for under $300. It also offers five exposure modes – including full manual. The S5200 records images as either JPEG or RAW files, offers three focus modes and has selectable ISO settings from 64 – 1600. Shutter speeds range from 1/2000 to 15 seconds. It even has a movie mode with sound and a small (3 frame) burst mode at 2 fps.
Unusual: Sanyo Xacti VPC-C5 – It looks like a tiny, hand-held digital video camera, because it is… but Sanyo's VPC-C5 is also a 5 MP digital camera with a 5x optical zoom. And just to confuse matters further, the Dual Shot function enables you to shoot both VGA-quality video and 5 MP stills at the same time! The VPC-C5 offers three metering modes, selectable ISO settings from 50 – 800 and even plays slide shows.
Point-and-Shoot: Kodak EasyShare C533 – This inexpensive point-and-shoot offers a 3x optical zoom lens (37mm - 111mm in 35mm terms), 13 scene modes, selectable ISO and two auto focus options. The C533 has a movie mode with sound. As with most basic digital cameras, exposure is fully automatic.
Advanced: Fujifilm FinePix S5200 – Super-zooms aren't found just in the 7 and 8 MP realm. The FinePix S5200 packs a 10x optical zoom (38mm - 380mm in 35mm terms) for under $300. It also offers five exposure modes – including full manual. The S5200 records images as either JPEG or RAW files, offers three focus modes and has selectable ISO settings from 64 – 1600. Shutter speeds range from 1/2000 to 15 seconds. It even has a movie mode with sound and a small (3 frame) burst mode at 2 fps.
Unusual: Sanyo Xacti VPC-C5 – It looks like a tiny, hand-held digital video camera, because it is… but Sanyo's VPC-C5 is also a 5 MP digital camera with a 5x optical zoom. And just to confuse matters further, the Dual Shot function enables you to shoot both VGA-quality video and 5 MP stills at the same time! The VPC-C5 offers three metering modes, selectable ISO settings from 50 – 800 and even plays slide shows.
Finding True Deals on Digital Cameras
The first question most salespeople ask a digital camera shopper is, “How much do you want to spend?” Responding to this approach will almost always cost you the price you quote, but may not get all the camera you want or need.
Instead, make a list of features that are important to you, and then determine if they're within your budget. You may have to give up a feature or two, but you'll be getting the most camera for your money. And you may find that you can get what you want for much less than you thought.
The best place to start with your list of features is the manufacturers' websites. They'll tell you what models are available, the features and specs of each model, and – usually – the suggested price (MSRP). And many of them make comparisons easy. Once you've armed yourself with this information, you can search for the best prices on the cameras that best fit your shooting style, and choose the one that's right for you.
Instead, make a list of features that are important to you, and then determine if they're within your budget. You may have to give up a feature or two, but you'll be getting the most camera for your money. And you may find that you can get what you want for much less than you thought.
The best place to start with your list of features is the manufacturers' websites. They'll tell you what models are available, the features and specs of each model, and – usually – the suggested price (MSRP). And many of them make comparisons easy. Once you've armed yourself with this information, you can search for the best prices on the cameras that best fit your shooting style, and choose the one that's right for you.
Are You Buying “Too Much Camera"
Our natural tendency is to buy a digital camera with the greatest resolution we can afford. The reasoning is, why get a 3 MP (megapixel) camera, when I can have a 5 MP camera? And to some extent, this makes sense.
However, before you buy that camera, consider your needs. How will you use the camera and the digital pictures it produces? If you will mostly share your pictures via e-mail or post them on your website, 5 MP is overkill? A 3 MP camera will provide all the resolution you need for e-mail and the Web, and even for the occasional 5” x 7” print.
Buying a camera with more resolution than you need has hidden costs. For example:
* All other things being equal, the higher the resolution, the higher the purchase price. You can afford a lot more features in a camera with lower resolution.
* Shooting higher resolution pictures requires larger memory cards to store the same number of pictures.
* The files from a 5 MP camera will require much more storage space than those from a 3 MP camera. That means they'll fill your hard drive twice as fast… or require twice as many CD's to store them.
If you're wondering just how much resolution you need (how many megapixels), here's an easy way to figure it out:
Find out the number of pixels there are on the camera's sensor array – both across and down. (This number will be in the manufacturer's specifications.) For example, Canon PowerShot S2 IS is a 5 MP camera. At its highest resolution, the CCD uses 2592 pixels x 1944 pixels.
Divide each number by 200. Using our Powershot S2 IS example, 2592 / 200 = 12.96 and 1944 / 200 = 9.72.
The resulting numbers tell you how large, in inches, a quality print you can get from the camera. So, the S2 IS should be able to provide you with good prints up to 10” x 13”.
However, before you buy that camera, consider your needs. How will you use the camera and the digital pictures it produces? If you will mostly share your pictures via e-mail or post them on your website, 5 MP is overkill? A 3 MP camera will provide all the resolution you need for e-mail and the Web, and even for the occasional 5” x 7” print.
Buying a camera with more resolution than you need has hidden costs. For example:
* All other things being equal, the higher the resolution, the higher the purchase price. You can afford a lot more features in a camera with lower resolution.
* Shooting higher resolution pictures requires larger memory cards to store the same number of pictures.
* The files from a 5 MP camera will require much more storage space than those from a 3 MP camera. That means they'll fill your hard drive twice as fast… or require twice as many CD's to store them.
If you're wondering just how much resolution you need (how many megapixels), here's an easy way to figure it out:
Find out the number of pixels there are on the camera's sensor array – both across and down. (This number will be in the manufacturer's specifications.) For example, Canon PowerShot S2 IS is a 5 MP camera. At its highest resolution, the CCD uses 2592 pixels x 1944 pixels.
Divide each number by 200. Using our Powershot S2 IS example, 2592 / 200 = 12.96 and 1944 / 200 = 9.72.
The resulting numbers tell you how large, in inches, a quality print you can get from the camera. So, the S2 IS should be able to provide you with good prints up to 10” x 13”.
Flash photography is hard to predict at first
There is probably no type of photography that is more disappointing to the beginner than flash photography. Unlike natural-light photography, where what you see can often be what you get, it is difficult to visualize what the effects of using flash will be. Flash is shut off until the moment of exposure, and then its illumination is too brief to visually evaluate what it does to your picture.
Many of us just hope for the best, and when our pictures are returned from being processed, we are frequently surprised by the disappointing appearance of those in which we used flash. Shadows can be harsh due to the high contrast from direct flash, and images can look stark; sometimes, facial lighting is flat or subjects have red-eye; foreground objects are often overexposed, looking bleached out, while background objects are darker than we expected - and these are only some of the problems of using flash incorrectly. The sad results are that we become frustrated and tend to not use flash as often as we could, or we just accept the poor results of flash photography as unavoidable.
The other side of the coin is that, properly employed, flash can improve your pictures, provide you with a useful creative tool and allow you to take excellent photographs where there is insufficient ambient light.
After all, flash photography has been in use since the 1860s (when magnesium wire - later magnesium-based powder - was ignited to obtain a sufficiently-bright light), and we have come a long way from those early days in perfecting safer, less-messy and easier-to-deal-with systems of flash photography. When you think of the hardships and technical problems photographers must have dealt with 140 and more years ago in taking flash pictures, it may inspire you. Compared with those early times, it is very easy to learn how to use today's relatively-simple flash systems to make even better pictures.
Many of us just hope for the best, and when our pictures are returned from being processed, we are frequently surprised by the disappointing appearance of those in which we used flash. Shadows can be harsh due to the high contrast from direct flash, and images can look stark; sometimes, facial lighting is flat or subjects have red-eye; foreground objects are often overexposed, looking bleached out, while background objects are darker than we expected - and these are only some of the problems of using flash incorrectly. The sad results are that we become frustrated and tend to not use flash as often as we could, or we just accept the poor results of flash photography as unavoidable.
The other side of the coin is that, properly employed, flash can improve your pictures, provide you with a useful creative tool and allow you to take excellent photographs where there is insufficient ambient light.
After all, flash photography has been in use since the 1860s (when magnesium wire - later magnesium-based powder - was ignited to obtain a sufficiently-bright light), and we have come a long way from those early days in perfecting safer, less-messy and easier-to-deal-with systems of flash photography. When you think of the hardships and technical problems photographers must have dealt with 140 and more years ago in taking flash pictures, it may inspire you. Compared with those early times, it is very easy to learn how to use today's relatively-simple flash systems to make even better pictures.
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